Ex-Lawmaker Carlson to Stay as Kansas Transportation Chief

Gov. Sam Brownback announced Monday that after three months as the Department of Transportation's interim secretary, Richard Carlson has been elevated to secretary.

Gov. Sam Brownback says former state legislator Richard Carlson will be staying on as Kansas transportation secretary.

Brownback announced Monday that after three months as the Department of Transportation’s interim secretary, Carlson has been elevated to secretary. The appointment will require state Senate confirmation after the Legislature convenes in January.

The 72-year-old Carlson began serving as interim secretary in July after Secretary Mike King stepped down. He previously was the Department of Revenue’s legislative liaison.

Carlson is a St. Marys Republican who served in the Kansas House from 2005 through 2014. He served as its Taxation Committee chairman.